This modern-day slavery violates the most basic human rights of its victims. That is why the Ohio Senate has made it one of our top priorities to fight these heinous crimes and why we passed an important bill this year helping victims reclaim and rebuild their lives.

"I am pleased to honor President Cimbolic for his leadership and the success he has had at Ohio Dominican University," said Senator Bacon. "The University will benefit greatly from his hard work and commitment to higher education for years to come."

“In many cases current law does not allow for prosecution of individuals who intentionally avoid and knowingly violate protection orders,” said Bacon. “This legislation prevents people who knowingly violate protection orders from taking advantage of loopholes in the law.”

“The Ohio Sales Tax Holiday has proved to be a win-win for parents, students and businesses alike. It’s important that we renew the tax break this year to ensure Ohio families benefit from these savings opportunities."

“In many cases current law does not allow for prosecution of individuals who intentionally avoid and knowingly violate protection orders,” said Bacon. “This legislation prevents people who knowingly violate protection orders from taking advantage of loopholes in the law.”

"For the last three years we have been able to help families keep more of their hard earned money as they purchase the materials to prepare their children for success in the classroom," said Bacon. "This legislation provides Ohioans the opportunity to save money on essential clothing and school items, reducing the financial strain on families while increasing sales for local businesses."

“I am honored to recognize the commitment and diligence of Warden Ronette Burkes," said Senator Bacon. “It is because of her dedication, compassion and hard work that she was rightly named the Warden of the Year by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.”

"Renewing Ohio's Sales Tax Holiday will help families as they prepare to send their kids back to school in August," said Senator Bacon. "Tax savings on essential clothing and school items reduces the financial strain on consumers and boosts sales for local businesses."

“In many cases current law does not allow for prosecution of individuals who intentionally avoid and knowingly violate protection orders,” said Bacon. “This legislation prevents people who knowingly violate protection orders from taking advantage of loopholes in the law.”

Launched on January 1st, 2017, Ohio’s new online voter registration system allows Ohioans with access to the internet to submit their new voter registrations or update their voting address online at www.myohiovote.com. To complete the voter registration online, voters must provide their name, address, date of birth, the last four digits of their social security number, and an Ohio driver’s license or state ID card number. Those who prefer using the hardcopy method still have the option of registering to vote by mail or in-person at their local Board of Elections office.

"Sergeant First Class Zachary Bannister was a hero in every sense of the word," said Senator Kevin Bacon (R-Westerville). "Our state and nation owes a debt of gratitude to Zachary and to the loving family this patriot leaves behind."

“Hypoparathyroidism is a painful reality for many Ohioans," said Bacon. "Bringing awareness to this debilitating disorder is a concrete way that we as friends and neighbors can help those suffering from the disease to receive the support they need to manage their condition and improve their quality of life."

State Senator Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park) has been selected to serve on a subcommittee of a national task force created by The Council of State Governments to help state policymakers remove employment barriers for people with disabilities.

"The Ohio Domestic Violence Network deserves our highest praise for its commitment to helping victims of domestic violence," said Bacon, who spoke today at a Statehouse press conference to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "The consequences of domestic violence are felt in every community in our state, and we need to continue our efforts to help victims."

"This highway naming is only a small token of our appreciation," said Bacon. "We hope that it serves as a constant reminder to everyone driving on Interstate 270 that Ryan Miller lived a life bigger than himself, a life defined by bravery and sacrifice. His life was much too short, but his memory will live on."

"As Jym delivers his final forecast today, I join my Senate colleagues in thanking him for his contributions to our community and wishing him a smooth transition to the next phase of his career," Bacon said.

“As a father of three daughters, I understand the high cost associated with the back-to-school shopping season. I’m hopeful that this year’s Sales Tax Holiday will help Ohio families stretch their dollars a little further as they prepare to send their kids back to school.”

“Columbus is rapidly emerging as a world-class city, and it needs a world-class transportation system," Bacon added. "Winning the Smart City Challenge is a major step forward toward implementing the advanced transportation technologies that will drive Franklin County into the future."

"It is a tremendous honor for me to receive this recognition from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," said Bacon. "I will continue to serve as a voice for over 1,500 Ohioans who suffer from cystic fibrosis to ensure that they and their loved ones receive the support they need."

"The legislation is an effort to help families preparing their kids to go back to school in August," said Senator Bacon. "The opportunity to save money on essential clothing and school items reduces the financial strain on consumers and boosts sales for local businesses."

"We are fortunate to live in a society where our voice at the ballot box is held with such high regard," said Bacon. "In many places around the world, the voices of the governed are silenced by oppressive governments."

“This bill closes a loophole in Ohio Law so that offenders who violate a protection order cannot escape prosecution by avoiding service of the order,” said Senator Bacon, “Today we are cracking down on violent offenders who choose to ignore a court’s order, and preventing victims from enduring further torment.”

Next week, Black Friday will get a run for its money. For the first time ever, a new Sales Tax Holiday will exempt sales tax on essential back-to-school items for Ohio families as summer winds to a close.

"This is an incredible birthday party for G&J Pepsi," said Bacon. "I'm proud to recognize the talented leadership team at G&J Pepsi for their innovative approach to doing business here in central Ohio."

"The sales tax holiday can't come at a better time for families preparing their kids to go back to school in August," said Bacon. "The opportunity to save money on essential clothing and school items will reduce the financial strain on consumers and boost sales for local businesses."

"I am proud of the progress the Senate has made in crafting a budget that provides an attractive business climate, invests in Ohio's future generations and funds the needs of Ohio families," said Bacon. "I look forward to continuing our work to give K-12 schools and universities the resources they need to prepare Ohio's youth for citizenship and employment."

"Thanks in part to the tireless advocacy of Mr. Bruce, Ohio has become a national leader in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Bacon. "The passion and determination that he displayed in leading the Buckeyes to four Big Ten Championships is evident in his extraordinary fight to find a cure."

"The bicentennial of Blendon Township marks a historic milestone in a long history of outstanding resident service," said Bacon. "Our township administrators play a central role in upholding a high quality of life for local residents through coordinating police and fire response, road maintenance, senior services, parks and recreation and other vital services."

"On behalf of the Ohio Senate, I am thrilled to recognize Tori Pappas for her resounding victory at the state bowling tournament," said Bacon. "This extraordinary achievement is a testament to her outstanding work ethic, tenacity and skill."

"Major Donahue will forever live in our state's memory as a man of character who sacrificed everything he had for his country," said Bacon. "His optimism and perseverance inspired many, and we will always be indebted to him and his family who is here today."

There is no better way to honor our returning soldiers than by supporting them as they return to civilian life with wounds and challenges. Last year, I sponsored a bill that designates the week in May that coincides with Armed Forces Week as "Ohio Warrior Awareness Week" in order to draw attention to the 100,000 Ohio veterans who live with a service-related disability.

“Business is rebounding in central Ohio, and this expansion is another step toward greater opportunity for individuals and families of my district,” said Bacon. “We work hard to cut red tape and encourage new investment in order to improve the quality of life in our community.”

During the Opening Ceremonies, State Senator Kevin Bacon (R–Minerva Park), was sworn in for his second term in the Ohio Senate, representing the 3rd District in the state legislature’s upper chamber. Senator Bacon won reelection to the seat in the November 4, 2014 General Election.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as Legislator of the Year by an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals by recognizing their abilities rather than their disabilities,” said Bacon.

State Senator Kevin Bacon yesterday received the Legislator of the Year award from the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). Bacon received this award for his efforts on Senate Bill 140 which modernized Ohio’s insurance laws.

State Senator Kevin Bacon today announced the Ohio Controlling Board’s release of state funds to aid in the construction of a new high school for the Groveport Madison Local School District. The funds were requested by the Ohio School Facilities Commission as part of their Classroom Facilities Assistance Program.

Senate Bill 140, introduced by State Senator Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park), was signed into law today by Governor Kasich. Senate Bill 140 will enact sweeping reforms to Ohio’s insurance industry by freeing up large amounts of capital for investment, bringing off-shore re-insurance companies under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Insurance, bolstering consumer protections, and stabilizing rates. Provisions in the law also allow Ohio to maintain its accreditation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

State Senator Kevin Bacon today presented a resolution to Lynda Murray honoring her for her retirement from the Ohio Library Council after over twenty years of service. Murray served as Director of Government and Legal Services for the Ohio Library Council and was instrumental in the creation and funding of the Ohio Public Library Information Network.

Senator Kevin Bacon announced today the Senate has approved an initiative to provide additional information to local law enforcement agencies and fire departments when responding to incidents at children’s residential facilities. The measure was approved as part of the mid-biennium review budget proposal, House Bill 483.

Senator Kevin Bacon today presented a resolution to the Ohio Dominican University’s (ODU) football team for their performance last fall. ODU finished the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record, capturing the GLIAC title. They ended with an overall record of 10-1.

The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Bill 301, sponsored by Senator Kevin Bacon, which will designate a week in May of each year as “Ohio Warrior Awareness Week” to honor more than 100,000 Ohio veterans who have a military service-related disability.

Senator Kevin Bacon stood by Governor John Kasich as he signed the 2014 Capital Bill into law at the Reeb Avenue School, located in the Southern Gateway area of Columbus. Along with providing dollars for improvements to public facilities, the Capital Bill also serves as an important funding mechanism for community development and innovation.

Senator Kevin Bacon today announced the introduction of Ohio’s 2014 Capital Budget, which provides local investment dollars to support individual communities’ construction priorities. The bill funds needed improvements to public facilities across the state including schools, colleges and universities, and parks.

Senator Kevin Bacon today announced the introduction of Ohio’s 2014 Capital Budget, which provides local investment dollars to support individual communities’ construction priorities. The bill funds needed improvements to public facilities across the state including schools, colleges and universities, and parks.

The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Bill 261, sponsored by Senator Kevin Bacon, which strengthens existing law so that offenders who avoid service of a protection order and knowingly violate the terms of the order can be prosecuted.

The Ohio Senate today approved Senate Bill 243, sponsored by Senator Kevin Bacon, which seeks to establish a recurring three-day weekend each August in which certain retail items are exempt from sales and use taxation. The initiative is commonly known as a “sales tax holiday,” and is intended to boost sales while giving taxpayers a break.

COLUMBUS– The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Senator Kevin Bacon (R–Minerva Park), which seeks to renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). The partnership between SCIP and the Ohio Public Works Commission finances important public capital improvement and public infrastructure projects across Ohio.

COLUMBUS–Senator Kevin Bacon (R–Minerva Park) today urges all residents of Central Ohio to take additional precautions during the pending bitter cold temperatures descending on the Midwest over the next 48 hours.

Governor John R. Kasich today signed into law Senate Bill 201, sponsored by Senator Kevin Bacon (R–Minerva Park), which would authorize a land transfer from The Ohio State University to Step Up Academy. Ownership of the land will save the organization $360,000 per year in mortgage payments, thus allowing them to serve approximately 75 additional children.

COLUMBUS (Ken Hines) -- An Ohio lawmaker wants to give parents a break on sales tax during the back-to-school shopping season. Rep. Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park) has called for a sales tax holiday that would stretch from the first Friday in August to the following Monday. Bacon's proposal would eliminate sales tax on the following items: - School supplies under $20 - Clothing items under $100 - Certain electronic items under $750 Bacon described the holiday as a win-win proposition for Ohio families and businesses. "It's a good opportunity to give a break to our families in Ohio at back to school time, and provide economic stimulus in our retail merchants and our local businesses," Bacon said. If passed, the proposal would save families an estimated $78 million, and would make Ohio the 19th state to feature a back-to-school sales tax holiday.

COLUMBUS - Ohio consumers would be able to shop tax-free for back-to-school supplies for three days in August under a legislative proposal introduced by Columbus republican Sen. Kevin Bacon. The bill provides a three day sales tax holiday on purchases of back-to-school clothing, footwear and computers.

COLUMBUS– Senator Kevin Bacon (R–Minerva Park) today introduced Senate Bill 243 which would establish a weekend each year in which Ohio sales tax would be suspended or reduced for certain retail items. The initiative is commonly known in other states as a “sales tax holiday.”

COLUMBUS– Senator Kevin Bacon (R–Minerva Park) today announced the passage of House Bill 59, the state’s two-year operating budget. The bill contains as its cornerstones one of the largest single-year tax cuts in Ohio’s history as well as the largest legislative investment in public education in more than 10 years.

The Ohio Senate today passed House Bill 167, which established new school levy requirements for the Columbus School District. Known as the “Columbus Plan,” this bill would also allow for the school to partner with and share revenue with authorized community schools.

COLUMBUS — State Senator Kevin Bacon today announced the Ohio Senate approved a state budget that includes a $1.4 billion tax cut for small businesses and makes the largest investment in public education in the last decade. The two-year, $61.8 billion budget also provides funding for state agencies and departments, as well as health and human services for Ohioans in need.

COLUMBUS — State Senator Kevin Bacon announced that legislation naming the Adena Pipe Ohio’s official state artifact has been signed into law by Governor John Kasich. Also present at the signing ceremony were students from the Columbus School for Girls, who came up with the idea for the bill after studying the history of Ohio and the origin of the Adena Pipe. Senator Frank LaRose (R- Copley) co-sponsored Senate Bill 33 with Senator Bacon.

State Senator Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park) today attended the "Employing Autism Project" event, sponsored by AT&T. The effort works to provide resources to employers for hiring young adults with autism so that they can be successful in the workplace. Learn more from NBC4i in the video above.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kevin Bacon declaring the Adena Pipe as the official artifact of the State of Ohio. The idea for Senate Bill 33 was brought to the attention of Bacon and Senator Frank LaRose (R- Copley) by a group of students from the Columbus School for Girls, who have been studying the history of Ohio and investigating the origins of the Adena Pipe.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate today approved Senate Bill 9, legislation sponsored by State Senator Kevin Bacon that outlines the duties of health exchange navigators and establishes certification and training requirements to help protect consumers. Navigators were created as part of the federal health care act to help individuals obtain information about available health insurance plans and facilitate their enrollment.

COLUMBUS — State Senator Kevin Bacon today offered sponsor testimony on his legislation that seeks to provide accountability standards for health insurance navigators. Under the federally mandated health insurance exchange, navigators are charged with helping people find and purchase health insurance. Bacon appeared before the Senate Insurance & Financial Institutions Committee, of which he also serves as vice-chairman.

COLUMBUS — State Senator Kevin Bacon has been selected to chair the newly-created Senate Commerce & Labor Committee for the 130th General Assembly by Ohio Senate President Keith Faber (R- Celina). In addition, Bacon will serve as Vice-Chair of the Insurance & Financial Institutions Committee.

COLUMBUS— Following today’s announcement by Governor John Kasich that the treatment of autism will be covered under state employee health insurance, health insurance sold in the private market and plans sold through the healthcare exchange, State Senator Kevin Bacon issued the following statement:

“This decision will vastly improve the lives of children with autism, along with their families. Studies have shown that children with autism who receive early intervention have better outcomes in school and are able to function more independently.

“I applaud Governor Kasich for his decision to ensure that children with autism are able to access important services and treatment.”

COLUMBUS— A bill requiring crime victims and their families to be notified when their offender is up for parole or early release was signed into law by Ohio Governor John Kasich today. Senate Bill 160 was sponsored by State Senators Kevin Bacon and Jim Hughes (R- Columbus).

COLUMBUS— The Ohio General Assembly today gave final approval to legislation that requires crime victims and their families be notified when their offenders are up for parole or early release in the judicial system. Senate Bill 160, sponsored by Senators Kevin Bacon and Jim Hughes (R- Columbus), now awaits the Governor’s signature.

COLUMBUS– State Senators Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park) and Jim Hughes (R–Columbus) today welcomed both Ohio State’s Football Team and Marching Band to the Senate Chamber. The Senators presented resolutions to both student groups for their outstanding seasons.

State Senator Kevin Bacon applauded an announcement from Huntington Bank today that it will be adding 250 jobs in Ohio over the next four years in support of new credit card services that will be offered to customers. The new jobs being created are the result of legislation passed by the General Assembly that encourages private investment in Ohio's financial industry. Bacon joined Governor Kasich, Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus (R- New Richmond) and other legislators and officials from Huntington at today's announcement.

State Senator Kevin Bacon was recently honored for his commitment to fiscal responsibility during the 129th
General Assembly, receiving the 'Watchdog of the Treasury' Award from
the United Conservatives of Ohio (UCO). Bacon received the award during a
recent event in Columbus.

Legislation designed to protect consumers from air duct cleaning scams
passed the Ohio Senate today. State Senator Kevin Bacon sponsored the
measure after a series of investigative reports in Ohio that uncovered
some air duct cleaning providers who misled consumers by charging
unnecessary fees for services.

Named "Roberta's Law," the Ohio Senate today approved legislation which
would mandate that victims and their families be notified when an
offender is up for parole. Senators Kevin Bacon and Jim Hughes (R-
Columbus), sponsored Senate Bill 160 after they were inspired by the
story regarding Columbus resident, Roberta Francis. Roberta's family
learned of her killer's release from prison by reading about it in the
local newspaper.

State Senator Kevin Bacon introduced legislation today to improve the
practices of air duct cleaning services in Ohio. Bacon recognized the
need for regulation after watching an investigative report detailing
instances in Ohio where consumers bought air duct cleaning services,
only to encounter shoddy workmanship, uninsured vendors and pressure to
purchase products and services that were unnecessary.

State Senator Kevin Bacon recently welcomed members of the 4th
grade class at St. Catharine School in Bexley to the Ohio Statehouse
Wednesday. The Senator spoke with the students about how state
government works and his role and responsibilities in the Legislature.

State Senator Kevin Bacon announced today that his legislation
bolstering Ohio's ability to combat cyber fraud - using electronic means
such as the internet or telephone to commit scams and other economic
crimes - has been signed into law by Ohio Governor John Kasich.

Senator Kevin Bacon was recently honored at the Statehouse for his
consistently conservative voting record. Representatives from the
American Conservative Union (ACU) were on-hand to present the Republican
legislator with their "Defender of Liberty" Award for 2011.

State Senator Kevin Bacon recently touted the Ohio Chapter of the
American Academy of Pediatrics' (Ohio AAP) success in establishing an
official "Wear Your Bike Helmet to Work or School Day" for the State of
Ohio. The first ever observance will occur on Wednesday, September 21.

State Senator Kevin Bacon was joined by Ohio Attorney General Mike
DeWine today as he announced the introduction of a bill aiming to
provide law enforcement entities with the tools necessary to investigate
and prosecute crimes of cyber fraud.

The Governor's Council on People with Disabilities announced today that
State Senator Kevin Bacon has been named its Legislator of the Year. The
Council recognized Bacon at an event held at the Ohio Statehouse.

Few issues are of greater concern than that of our children's education.
As you can imagine, education reform was a prominent issue throughout
the recent budget cycle. During that time, my colleagues and I worked
together to develop new and innovative strategies aimed at placing our
children at the forefront of educational policy.

State Senators Kevin Bacon and Jim Hughes (R - Columbus) announced today
that they have introduced Senate Bill 160, legislation that would
establish additional rights for victims of violent crimes and their
families. Bacon and former State Senator Steve Stivers first introduced
the bill during the 127th General Assembly after learning of the Franklin County case of Roberta Francis.

State Senators Kevin Bacon and Michael Skindell (D - Lakewood) announced
they recently introduced Senate Bill 140, legislation that would require
a bittering agent to be added to certain types of antifreeze, helping
to prevent children and animals from becoming ill as a result of
ingesting the product.

State Senators Kevin Bacon and Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) announced today
they will introduce legislation granting limited liability to physicians
who provide emergency medical services, ensuring they will be able to
provide the best care possible to those in need without fear of being
sued. Similar legislation was introduced and passed in the Ohio Senate
by former Senator Steve Buehrer during the last General Assembly.

State Senator Kevin Bacon announced today he is introducing a bill
which would include areas of specialty on the state's licensing website,
allowing professionals such as doctors, dentists and physical
therapists to make more accurate referrals and letting the public more
easily find the appropriate individual to meet their needs.

State Senator Kevin Bacon today announced that he will soon introduce a
bill that would modernize Ohio probate law. Currently, the Ohio Revised
Code contains outdated legal terminology and provisions pertaining to
the field of probate law. Bacon's bill will update these terms while
increasing consistency and efficiency in Ohio's probate courts.

State Senators Kevin Bacon and Jim Hughes (R- Columbus) today announced
that the state Controlling Board has approved a $25,000 Rapid Outreach
Grant to help purchase new machinery and equipment as part of SCI
Engineered Materials, Inc.'s (SCI) expansion project, which is expected
to create 50 new jobs and retain 26 others at the company's facility in
Columbus.

State Senators Kevin Bacon and Jim Hughes (R-Columbus) today announced
that the state Controlling Board has awarded $3.8 million in state funds
to local projects that will create new jobs and support economic growth
in central Ohio.

State Senator Kevin Bacon today announced he has been named chairman of
the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee by Senate President
Tom Niehaus (R- New Richmond). In this role, Bacon will work with
committee members to provide Ohioans with access to affordable health
insurance, maintain protections for consumers and ensure business
practices are applied equally and fairly throughout the state. The
committee also conducts hearings on the budgets of the Ohio Bureau of
Workers' Compensation and the Ohio Industrial Commission.

As part of the opening ceremonies for the 129th Session of the Ohio General Assembly, Kevin Bacon was sworn in for a four-year term as the Senator for the 3rd Ohio Senate District, which includes roughly the eastern third of Franklin County.

Bacon comes to the Ohio Senate after serving two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he worked to improve Ohio's climate for jobs and economic development and has been recognized as a leading advocate for children and individuals with special needs.